Shopping for a hiker can be tricky because we’re all pretty specfic about what gear we like. Things like hiking boots and backpacks can seem like a good idea, but they’re so personal to each body it’s honestly easiest to leave those up to the hiker.
Here is a list of some of my favorite things that I actually use and truly think every hiker would enjoy (I’m not making any money on any of the items.) Quite a few of these companies have donated to Approachable Outdoors fundraisers & I think it’s important to support companies who prioritize giving back!
They range in price from budget friendly to splurge.
SmartWool Second Cut
Smartwool socks are always reliably great (and an awesome gift) but they’re doing something that’s also awesome for the environment. It’s their Second Cut program where they’re using recycled material and keeping 350,000 pounds of waste out of landfills. I’m obsessed with this new fleece that’s 75% upcycled materials.
$23 for socks
$175 Fleece Zip Up
Topo Designs
I feel like it seems obvious to get a hiking lover a hiking backpack – but they’re so personal to each back and body so it’s not something I recommend unless they’re asking for a specific one. But Topo Designs, a local company, has a lot of great accessory bags that make great gifts and stock stuffers.
$17 Accessory Bags
Mountain Weekend
We love supporting local! Mountain Weekend is a new Denver company with a mission to donate to mountain town nonprofits with every purchase. I get endless compliments on the beanie and have lived in the oversized hoodie since it arrived.
$30 for the beanies and hats
$74-$95 for the hoodies
Rovr Cooler
I am and will forever be a Rovr Cooler loyalist. The off-roading wheels on the hard cooler are designed for those who love the outdoors – and they work. I love the inside with an area to keep food dry, plus the add ons for the cutting board and cup holders.
Plus, they’re local! Shoutout to Nederland 🙂
Wheeled coolers start at $350
Soft Coolers/Keepers start at $150
National Parks Scratch Off
I absolutely love this idea! I have Native Maps Denver map and it’s one of the pieces in my home people comment on the most.
They just launched the National Parks Scratch-Off and their Instagram post about it is what inspired my shopping list for hikers. I’ve seen quite a few variations of this type of map and usually find them cheesy, but I love how this one looks before and after scratching.
$45 without the frame
$145 with the frame
NorthFace Thermoball Traction Booties
These were a gift last winter and I thought they were weird… and then I put them on. They’re like wearing little clouds of your feet that have traction.
I wore them on a ski trip a month later and by the end of the trip 4 people had ordered them. They’re great for post skiing, hiking or camping – or just taking the dog out when it’s snowing and you don’t want to fully suit up.
Nemo Moonlite Camp Chair
I’m not kidding when I say I bring this chair on every hike. It’s compact and light enough that it sits inside my 17L pack with room to spare. It takes all of 30 seconds to set up so now instead of popping down on some rocks at the top of a trail or good viewpoint, my friend and I set up our Moonlites to enjoy the view comfortably. There hasn’t been a time that people haven’t come up to us and ask about the chair. It’s a crowd favorite.
Nemo Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair $159.96 (keep an eye out for sales from REI)
Powderloft Tote Bag
I want to hug whoever designed this bag because it finally has the pockets I need from a tote bag. The “puffy coat” outline makes this bag look like it was made for a stroll through a mountain town or holding your camping gear.
*I’m going on two years with this bag as my work bag and it shows zero signs of wear so it lasts.
Also, their tumblers are my go-to and actually fit in your car’s cup holder.
SMMT Powderloft Tote Bag: $198.00
Rumpl Blankets
I learned about Rumpl when they donated to one of the Approachable Outdoors Fundraisers and fell in love with their blankets that are essentially puffy coats in blanket form. They’re great for camping or hanging by the camp fire, but honestly they’re super cute in general. And I just saw their new National Parks collection and love it!
Rumpl Blankets start at $125
Deneen Pottery Mugs
If you’ve been to a gift shop at a National Park, you’ve probably seen Deneen Pottery’s work. They’re a Minnesota company so I have a few mugs from my time at WCCO and 7 years later they’re still my favorite mugs to drink from. They have a few National Parks mugs on their website (plus a list of where to buy their mugs locally) but they also have this gorgeous “I Love Public Lands” mug which supports the public land alliance.
Deneed Pottery Mugs are $28
Yeti Wine Tumbler
I’m famous (infamous) for bringing a Summit Beer or a bottle of wine for a few sips at the top. I usually bring enough wine tumblers for everyone so I can vouch these are awesome and get plenty of use out of them. They even laugh at me when I drink tea out of them at work. Plus, these tumblers have taken a few tumbles down a mountain and still work great.
WoodChuck Wood Journals
These are my absolute favorite journals and they have a cool mission where for every item you buy, they plant a tree. The journals are gorgeous enough to be on display at home and there’s one for every National Park so you can pick their favorite.
Woodchuck Journals are $29.99
